Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14641 · Bombardier Model DHC-8-400 Series Airplanes
Bombardier Model DHC-8-400 Series Airplanes
This AD applies to Bombardier Model DHC-8-400, DHC-8-401, and DHC-8-402 airplanes, certificated in any category; serial numbers 4001, and 4003 through 4106 inclusive.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracks of the first fuel access panel outboard of the nacelle on the left- and right-hand wings, and related investigative/corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires eventual replacement of each access panel with a new access panel having a new part number. The replacement terminates the repetitive inspection requirements. This AD results from reports of cracks of the fuel access panels. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracked fuel access panels, which could lead to arcing and ignition of fuel vapor during a lightning strike, and result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
Within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Do an ultrasonic inspection for cracks of the first fuel access panel, part number (P/N) 85714230-001, outboard of the nacelle, on the left- and right-hand wings, by doing all of the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-13, dated August 17, 2005, except as provided by paragraph (i) of this AD. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions before further flight in accordance with the service bulletin. Repeat the applicable inspection, including the detailed inspection, thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,200 flight hours.
Note 1: Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-13, refers to Bombardier Repair Drawing (RD) 8/4-57-451, dated February 2005, as an additional source of service information for doing certain corrective actions.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: “An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.”
Within 6,000 flight hours after the initial inspection done in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD: Replace any access panel P/N 85714230-001, with a new panel P/N 85714230-003 or P/N 85714230-005. Do the replacement in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-13, dated August 17, 2005. Replacing one access panel terminates the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD for that panel only. Replacing both access panels terminates all repetitive inspection requirements of this AD.
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a fuel access panel, P/N 85714230-001, on any airplane unless the panel has been inspected, and all applicable related investigative and corrective actions have been accomplished, in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD.
(i) Although the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-13, dated August 17, 2005, specify to report certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
